beta -blocker

beta -blocker
in full beta-adrenergic blocking agent

Any of a class of synthetic drugs used to treat a wide range of diseases and conditions of the sympathetic nervous system (see autonomic nervous system).

Stimulation by epinephrine of beta-adrenergic receptors, which are predominately found in the heart but are also present in vascular and other smooth muscle, results in excitation of the sympathetic nervous system. By preventing that excitation, beta-blockers are useful in controlling anxiety, hypertension, and a variety of heart conditions (see heart disease). They reduce the risk of a second heart attack.

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Universalium. 2010.

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  • beta blocker — n. any of a class of drugs used to control heartbeat, relieve angina pectoris, treat hypertension, etc. by blocking the nerve impulses that normally excite the beta receptors …   English World dictionary

  • beta blocker — ► NOUN ▪ a drug which prevents increased cardiac action, used to treat angina and reduce high blood pressure …   English terms dictionary

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  • beta blocker — noun any of various drugs used in treating hypertension or arrhythmia; decreases force and rate of heart contractions by blocking beta adrenergic receptors of the autonomic nervous system • Syn: ↑beta blocking agent, ↑beta adrenergic blocker,… …   Useful english dictionary

  • Beta blocker — A class of drugs that block beta adrenergic substances such as adrenaline (epinephrine), a key agent in the sympathetic portion of the autonomic (involuntary) nervous system. By blocking the action of the sympathetic nervous system on the heart,… …   Medical dictionary

  • beta-blocker — ˈ ̷ ̷  ̷ ̷ ˈ ̷ ̷  ̷ ̷ noun : any of a group of drugs (as propranolol) that combine with and block the activity of a beta receptor so as to decrease the heart rate and force of contractions and to lower high blood pressure and that are used… …   Useful english dictionary

  • beta-blocker — UK [ˈbiːtə ˌblɒkə(r)] / US [ˈbeɪtə ˌblɒkər] / US [ˈbɪtə ˌblɑkər] noun [countable] Word forms beta blocker : singular beta blocker plural beta blockers medical a drug that makes your heart work more slowly, used for treating high blood pressure …   English dictionary

  • beta blocker — [[t]bi͟ːtə blɒkə(r), AM be͟ɪtə [/t]] beta blockers N COUNT A beta blocker is a drug which is used to treat people who have high blood pressure or heart problems …   English dictionary

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